Let's talk repeat prescriptions
There are often misunderstandings and misgivings from patients about requests for repeat prescriptions.
Repeat Prescriptions are ONLY available for stable medical conditions that have been previously prescribed by one of our Doctors/Nurse Practitioners and are always at the Prescribers’ discretion.
- Read about the recent Government rules changes for 12 month prescriptions
- You must have been seen for this condition within the past six months
- You must have been prescribed this medication by one of our Doctors/Nurse Practitioners
- Many conditions are not appropriate for repeat prescriptions and require three monthly review
The Prescriber has a duty of care and follows our clinical policies. They must be satisfied that it is safe and appropriate before prescribing any medication; whether this is new or repeat.
They are responsible for ensuring all monitoring requirements are completed, i.e. blood pressure checks, blood tests as well as reviewing the effects (benefits and harms) of the treatment and any changes in the patient’s condition.
If you are asked to come in for a medication review it will be for one or all of the above reasons. This is never to inconvenience you.
It is always to ensure you are provided with the best care.
Handy Information
Repeat prescriptions are usually prepared within 24 hours.
There is a charge for repeat prescriptions - Please see our fees page for details.
Our Patient Portal allows you to order repeat prescriptions and see test results online, it's convenient and easy.
Repeat prescriptions can be ordered through the portal if you are enrolled with us and have seen a Prescriber within the last six months. Repeat prescriptions take 24 hours to process and there is a charge for this service. Please refer to our fees page for current charges.
Test results are available to view through the MyIndici Portal once they have been reviewed by the clinician. For any queries regarding your results, please call to speak to a clinician.
12-month Prescriptions
Amberley Medical Centre would like to provide an important update regarding the government’s changes to 12‑month prescriptions, which came into effect from February 2026.
You may have seen public messaging about these changes, and we understand this has caused some confusion. We hope the information below helps clarify what these changes mean for you.
What has changed?
From February 2026, legislation allows prescribers to issue
up to 12 months of certain medications on a single prescription.
However, a 12‑month prescription is not guaranteed. It will always depend on your prescriber’s clinical assessment of your health, stability, and medication safety.
Why Can’t Everyone Receive a 12‑Month Prescription?
The primary concern with 12‑month prescriptions is the risk of reduced clinical follow‑up.
A lot can change in a person’s health across a year. Regular reviews—often every 3 to 6 months—are crucial for:
- monitoring changes in health
- adjusting medications
- identifying side effects early
- ensuring safe and effective treatment
For these reasons, 12‑month prescriptions will only be considered when it is clinically safe to do so.
Who Might Be Suitable for a 12‑Month Script?
Patients may be eligible if they:
- are on simple or stable medications
- have no recent changes in their health
- do not require frequent monitoring
- have minimal or no long‑term medical conditions
If you do qualify, you will still need an annual in‑person medication review.
Please note: If you have any new symptoms or health concerns at any time,
do not wait 12 months—book an appointment promptly.
Who Will Be Excluded for Safety Reasons?
For clinical safety, the following groups will not be eligible for 12‑month prescriptions:
- patients taking controlled drugs (as per Misuse of Drugs regulations)
- anyone requiring regular blood tests or blood pressure monitoring
- those with recent medication dose changes
- patients on multiple medications
- patients with complex medical conditions
- patients of increasing age, where closer monitoring is essential
These decisions reflect best‑practice medical safety and aim to protect your wellbeing.
Appointment Requirements
- No 12‑month prescriptions will be issued without an in‑person appointment first.
- This appointment is essential to discuss the benefits and risks of longer prescribing intervals.
- If you have multiple issues to discuss, a separate appointment is required.
